Toothbrush Resonant Drive Frequency Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power toothbrushes face a limitation in amplitude of brushhead movement, where increased amplitude for better cleaning and sensory experience leads to user discomfort, with uncertainty about the specific amplitude characteristics causing discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A resonant drive system that periodically changes the drive frequency of the toothbrush's brushhead, using frequency modulation to vary the amplitude within a 5-30% range, optimizing the sensory experience and cleaning effect without discomfort by adjusting the center frequency closer to the resonant frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the amplitude of brushhead movement is increased to improve cleaning effectiveness and sensory experience, then cleaning performance is improved, but user discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the amplitude of brushhead movement variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the amplitude based on operating conditions, allowing the brushhead to operate at higher amplitudes when needed for cleaning effectiveness while reducing amplitude when it would cause user discomfort, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning performance and user comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of amplitude from a constant value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted within a specific range. By modifying the amplitude parameter dynamically based on feedback from sensors and control algorithms, the system achieves optimal cleaning effectiveness while maintaining user comfort, preventing the harmful effect of excessive amplitude
2Productivity
If the drive frequency is changed to vary amplitude periodically, then amplitude variation is achieved for improved cleaning, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by varying the drive frequency to produce periodic amplitude modulation of the brushhead movement. This periodic variation in amplitude enhances cleaning effectiveness by creating different brushing intensities over time, while the frequency modulation approach provides a systematic method to achieve this without requiring completely new drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical amplitude adjustment mechanisms with electronic frequency control. Instead of using mechanical linkages or variable geometry mechanisms to change amplitude, the system uses electronic frequency modulation of the drive signal, which simplifies the mechanical structure while achieving the desired amplitude variation for improved cleaning
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the sensory brushing experience and improves cleaning effectiveness by allowing increased amplitude variation within a comfortable range for the user, balancing cleaning efficacy and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant drive system for driving a brushhead at a drive frequency, the drive system including a circuit for changing the drive frequency relative to the center frequency to produce a periodic change of amplitude of the brushhead portion
Implementation Method 2
a circuit for changing the drive frequency relative to the center frequency to produce a periodic change of amplitude of the brushhead portion within the range of 5-30%
Data Source
AI summary
The drive system drives a brushhead at a driving frequency. The drive system includes a frequency modulation system which changes. the driving frequency about a center frequency in such a manner, with selected frequency deviation and modulation frequency, which interacts with the resonance of the brushhead to produce a change of amplitude in the movement of the brushhead within a range of 5-30%.